1. Introduction
The Garmin Swim 2 is a GPS swimming smartwatch designed for both pool and open water activities. It provides comprehensive metrics to help swimmers monitor their performance and progress. This manual provides instructions for setting up, operating, and maintaining your device.
What's in the Box
- Garmin Swim 2 Smartwatch
- Charging Cable
- Documentation (Quick Start Manual, Safety and Product Information)

Image: The Garmin Swim 2 smartwatch, slate gray, showing a swim activity with 1500m distance and elapsed time.
2. Key Features
The Garmin Swim 2 offers a range of features tailored for swimming and daily activity tracking:
- GPS Swimming Smartwatch: Designed for both pool and open water environments.
- Underwater Heart Rate Monitoring: Estimates wrist-based heart rate during swim activities.
- Pool Swim Mode: Records distance, pace, stroke count, stroke type, and SWOLF (gauges swimming efficiency).
- Open-Water Swim Mode: Utilizes built-in GPS to track swims in lakes, oceans, or rivers; records distance, pace, stroke count, SWOLF, stroke rate, and stroke distance.
- Advanced Swim Features: Includes tools for staying on pace, logging drills, and managing rest intervals.
- Garmin Connect Integration: Provides free online analysis, custom workout creation, storage, and sharing through the Garmin Connect online community.
- Connected Features: When paired with a compatible smartphone, offers smart notifications and automatic uploads to Garmin Connect.
- Extended Battery Life: Up to 7 days in smartwatch mode, 13 hours in GPS and optical heart rate (OHR) mode, and 72 hours in pool and OHR mode.

Image: The Garmin Swim 2 smartwatch showing average and maximum heart rate during an activity.
3. Setup
Charging the Device
Before initial use, fully charge your Garmin Swim 2. The device uses a proprietary charging cable.
- Align the charging clip with the contacts on the back of your watch.
- Connect the USB end of the charging cable to a power source (e.g., computer USB port, USB wall adapter).
- The watch display will indicate charging status. Allow approximately 2 hours for a full charge.

Image: The Garmin Swim 2 smartwatch next to swimming goggles, ready for use.
Pairing with a Smartphone
To access smart features, activity uploads, and detailed analysis, pair your Garmin Swim 2 with the Garmin Connect app on your smartphone.
- Download the Garmin Connect app from your smartphone's app store.
- Enable Bluetooth on your smartphone.
- Open the Garmin Connect app and follow the on-screen instructions to create an account or log in.
- From the app, select "Garmin Devices" and then "Add Device".
- Select "Swim 2" from the list of available devices.
- Follow the prompts on both your watch and smartphone to complete the pairing process.
4. Operating Instructions
Starting a Swim Activity
The Garmin Swim 2 supports both pool and open water swimming modes.
- From the watch face, press the START/STOP button.
- Select Pool Swim or Open Water.
- For Pool Swim, select your pool size. For Open Water, wait for GPS acquisition (indicated by a green GPS icon).
- Press START/STOP again to begin the activity.

Image: The Garmin Swim 2 smartwatch screen showing the "Open Water" selection for a swim activity.
During a Swim Activity
- View Data: Swipe up or down to scroll through various data screens (e.g., distance, pace, heart rate, stroke count).
- Rest Intervals: The watch features an Auto Rest function. When you stop swimming, the watch automatically detects rest and starts a rest timer. Resume swimming to end the rest interval.
- Logging Drills: In Pool Swim mode, you can manually log drills. Press the LAP/BACK button to enter drill logging mode, perform your drill, then press LAP/BACK again to exit and enter the distance.
- Pace Alerts: Set target paces for intervals or entire swims to receive alerts if you fall behind or exceed your target.

Image: The Garmin Swim 2 smartwatch screen indicating it is ready for a 25-yard pool swim, with options available.
Ending a Swim Activity
- Press the START/STOP button to pause the activity.
- Select Save to save the activity, or Discard to delete it.
Daily Activity Tracking and Smart Features
Beyond swimming, the Garmin Swim 2 tracks daily steps, monitors sleep, and displays smart notifications when connected to your smartphone.
- View Widgets: From the watch face, swipe up or down to view widgets such as daily steps, heart rate, calendar, and notifications.
- Smart Notifications: Receive alerts for incoming calls, text messages, and app notifications directly on your watch.
- Activity Tracking: The watch automatically tracks your daily steps, distance, and calories burned.
- Sleep Monitoring: Wear the watch to bed to track your sleep patterns.

Image: The Garmin Swim 2 smartwatch screen showing a smart notification for a message.
5. Maintenance
Device Care
- Cleaning: Rinse the watch with fresh water after each swim, especially in chlorinated or saltwater. Regularly clean the device and strap with a soft, damp cloth.
- Charging Contacts: Periodically clean the charging contacts on the back of the watch and the charging cable with a soft cloth to prevent corrosion and ensure proper charging.
- Storage: Store the device in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
- Avoid Chemicals: Do not use harsh chemicals, cleaning solvents, or insect repellents, as they may damage plastic components and finishes.
Battery Information
The device contains a non-user-replaceable lithium-cobalt battery. For optimal battery life, avoid exposing the device to extreme temperatures and fully charge it before long periods of inactivity.
6. Troubleshooting
Device Not Turning On
- Ensure the device is fully charged. Connect it to the charging cable and a power source for at least 30 minutes.
- Try performing a soft reset by holding down the LIGHT button for 15 seconds.
GPS Not Acquiring Signal
- Ensure you are in an open area with a clear view of the sky.
- Remain stationary for a few minutes while the device attempts to acquire satellite signals.
- Sync your device with the Garmin Connect app to update satellite data (EPO file), which can speed up GPS acquisition.
Inaccurate Heart Rate Data
- Ensure the watch is worn snugly but comfortably above your wrist bone.
- Clean the optical heart rate sensor on the back of the device.
- In cold weather, warm up for 5-10 minutes before starting your activity to improve accuracy.
Device Not Connecting to Phone
- Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your smartphone and the Garmin Connect app is open.
- Restart both your smartphone and the Garmin Swim 2.
- If issues persist, try unpairing and re-pairing the device through the Garmin Connect app and your phone's Bluetooth settings.
7. Specifications
| Model Name | Swim 2 |
| Model Number | 010-02247-00 |
| Dimensions | 5.59 x 2.76 x 2.64 inches |
| Weight | 1.28 ounces |
| Display Type | Digital, Always-On Full-Color Chroma Display |
| Screen Size | 1.04 Inches |
| Resolution | 208 x 208 pixels |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth |
| GPS | Built-in GPS, GLONASS, Galileo |
| Water Resistance | Waterproof (5 ATM / 50 meters equivalent) |
| Battery Life | Smartwatch Mode: Up to 7 days GPS + OHR Mode: Up to 13 hours Pool + OHR Mode: Up to 72 hours |
| Operating System | Garmin OS |
| Band Material | Silicone |
| Case Material | Metal / Stainless Steel |
8. Warranty and Support
Limited Warranty
The Garmin Swim 2 is covered by a 1-year limited warranty from the date of purchase. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use. It does not cover damage caused by accident, abuse, misuse, water damage (beyond specified limits), or unauthorized service.
For full terms and conditions of the warranty, please refer to the documentation included with your product or visit the official Garmin website.
Customer Support
For additional support, product registration, or to access the full owner's manual, please visit the Garmin support website:
You can also find FAQs, video tutorials, and contact information for technical assistance on the support portal.